1. Purpose

This policy sets clear, fair, and transparent eligibility requirements for players seeking selection to WBA age group representative teams, while ensuring full compliance with Basketball New Zealand’s (BBNZ) national eligibility regulations. 

It ensures athletes contribute to WBA’s sanctioned competitions where appropriate under BBNZ rules, fostering commitment to WBA programmes without creating barriers beyond BBNZ’s remit.

2. Scope

Applies to:

• All athletes trialling for WBA rep teams (U14, U16, U18, U20).

• All WBA-affiliated sanctioned leagues.

• All WBA coaches, selectors, and officials.

3. Definitions

• Sanctioned League: A competition formally recognised and approved by the WBA.

• Selection Window: The defined period for assessment each year.

• Association: Wellington Basketball Association.

4. Policy Statement

4.1 Eligibility

Athletes must:

1. Meet all BBNZ national eligibility requirements.

2. Where WBA is the player’s eligible affiliated association under BBNZ rules, be registered and actively participating in a WBA-sanctioned league during the selection window.

3. Meet the minimum game participation threshold set annually by the WBA.

4. Comply with all WBA Codes of Conduct.

5. If unable to meet 2-3, have an approved exemption.

4.2 Rationale

• Equity: All athletes are assessed under the same conditions.

• Pathway Integrity: Supports the sustainability of programmes.

• Behavioural Standards: Reinforces WBA values.

5. Exemptions

Grounds for exemption include:

• Recognised BBNZ eligibility provisions, including full-time student status, 28-day and 90-day residency rules, approved transfers, and loan player arrangements.

• Verified injury / illness.

• Temporary relocation where no WBA-sanctioned league exists.

• National / international commitments sanctioned by WBA or BBNZ.

Applications must be in writing before the selection window, unless due to unforeseen events. Approved by the WBA Selection Eligibility Panel. Playing only in private / non-sanctioned leagues is insufficient.

6. Compliance

• WBA publishes the sanctioned league list annually.

• Competition records confirm eligibility before trial invitations.

• Trial lists will be shared with other associations in the zone as per BBNZ’s Representative Player Trial Process.

7. Review

Policy reviewed every 3 years or sooner if required.

8. Contact

E: sam@wellingtonbasketball.co.nz

P: +64 21 243 9972

1. Purpose

This policy ensures that athletes who are not selected for, or do not attend, Wellington Basketball Association (WBA) representative trials are treated fairly and given opportunities to continue pursuing representative basketball, in full compliance with Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ).

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All WBA eligible athletes under BBNZ rules (Book 4 - Part 2, Regulation 2.1).

• All WBA age group representative programmes (U14, U16, U18, U20).

• All WBA coaches, selectors, and administrators.

3. Principles

• Fairness and Opportunity - Players who are not invited to trial, or who fail to trial when invited, may seek representative opportunities with another Affiliated Association in the same BBNZ Zone, where allowed under BBNZ eligibility rules.

• BBNZ Compliance - All movement between Associations must comply with BBNZ eligibility, transfer, and loan player provisions.

• Transparency - Athletes and parents / guardians will be informed of their options if not invited to trial or if not attending an invitation.

4. Policy Statement

4.1  Players Not Invited to Trial

• If WBA determines an athlete will not be invited to trial for an age group team, the athlete is eligible to trial for another Association within the same BBNZ Zone, provided they meet one of the following under BBNZ rules:

  • They are eligible for more than one Association under Regulation 2.1(f) (full-time student rule) or Regulation 2.1(i) (right to choose Association).

  • They qualify as a loan player under Regulation 2.4(a)(iii) because they actively sought selection with WBA but were not chosen.

4.2  Players Invited But Do Not Attend

• If an invited athlete chooses not to attend trials, they may still be eligible to trial for another Association if:

  • They meet BBNZ eligibility for that Association, and

  • They secure an approved transfer or loan under Regulations 2.3 or 2.4.

4.3  Transfers and Loans

• All transfers and loan requests must follow the GameDay “Request for Transfer” process and meet BBNZ deadlines (minimum 14 days before the relevant tournament).

• WBA will not unreasonably withhold approval for a loan request where the athlete meets the conditions under Regulation 2.4.

5. Communication Process

• WBA will notify athletes in writing if they are not invited to trial.

• This notification will include:

  • Confirmation of their WBA eligibility status under BBNZ rules.

  • Guidance on the process to trial for another Association, including transfer or loan steps and deadlines.

6. Compliance

• WBA will share its final trial list with all other Associations in the Zone, as required by BBNZ Appendix A – Representative Player Trial Process.

• WBA will work cooperatively with other Associations to facilitate opportunities for eligible players who were not selected to trial.

7. Review

• This policy will be reviewed every 3 years, or sooner if BBNZ updates its eligibility or loan player regulations.

• U14: 11, 12, or 13 years as at 31 Dec

• U16: 13, 14, or 15 years as at 31 Dec

• U18: 15, 16, or 17 years as at 31 Dec

• U20: 15 years on the first day of competition and no more than 19 years as at 31 Dec

• Intercity League (Summer)

• Intercity League (Spring)

• Midweek Adult League (Term 1)

• Midweek Adult League (Term 4)